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Redsfest to feature expanded kid-friendly activities

Redsfest to feature expanded kid-friendly activities

Brandon Phillips has fun with kids at the Wiffle Ball field at Redsfest.

By Jordan Bastian
/
MLB.com |

Redsfest is back, and the annual fan festival is bigger and better than ever. Literally.

For this year's event at the Duke Energy Convention Center, the Reds have expanded the floor plan to account for a wide range of new activities. The highlight of the upgrades will be a larger Reds Heads Fun Zone for kids of all ages.

"We are expanding Redsfest to offer kids and families additional space for fun and games," said Phil Castellini, the Reds' chief operating officer. "We're dedicating the third floor of the convention center to kid-friendly interactives while keeping the traditional Redsfest offerings on the main floor."

Tickets for the FOX Sports Ohio Redsfest presented by PNC Bank are on sale now at reds.com, or by calling (513) 381-REDS. Fans can also purchase tickets at the Great American Ball Park box office, as well as at select Kroger stores and through Ticketmaster.

The event will run from 3-10:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 7 and from 11-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8.

A host of current and former Cincinnati players are expected to attend Redsfest this year. The list includes Joey Votto (Dec. 7 only), Brandon Phillips and Bronson Arroyo, along with Reds alumni, including Tom Browning, Eric Davis and Dave Parker. The updated list of confirmed attendees is available at reds.com/redsfest.

Two-day tickets cost $25 for adults and $12 for children 12 years old and younger, while one-day tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for kids. Children three and under are admitted for free. Purchasing a two-day ticket has its benefits.

Fans with two-day tickets will receive one free View Level ticket to the Reds' Opening Night game against the Angels on April 3 at Great American Ball Park. The first 10,000 fans to attend Redsfest each day will receive a free Reds winter headband and drawstring backpack.

Redsfest -- now with more than 250,000 square feet to fit the many activities -- has autograph and photo booths with current and former Reds players. There is memoriabilia and plenty of interactive games. The retooled Reds Heads Fun Zone will feature a photo opportunity with Santa, plus arcade games, inflatables, story time with players, music, circus performers and more.

The main floor will include a new Reds Connect Zone that will allow fans to see Reds on Radio network affiliates and bloggers Jamie Ramsey ("Better off Red') and Dallas Latos ("So I Married a Baseball Player").

There will be three types of autograph sessions offered: general public, season-ticket holders only and kids only. Specific times for player appearances will be announced a half-hour prior to the autograph and photo session on info screens on the Redsfest main floor, as well as on the Reds' official Twitter account (@Reds).

Fans can also go to reds.com/redsfest to register to win an autograph opportunity with players at one of four sessions on Dec. 7 or Dec. 8 in an online sweepstakes. Fans can guarantee a spot in these sessions by bidding on an "Elite Pass" for either day. The auctions begin Friday and run through Nov. 30.

The main stage will feature kids-only press conferences involving players, and there will be "bull sessions" with Reds alumni, and the Reds Hot Stove Report with general manager Walk Jocketty and manager Duty Baker. All current and former players will be introduced live on the stage at 5:30 p.m. ET.

This year, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum will have a larger presence. There will be a dispay for the 1975, '76 and '90 World Series trophies, Reds artifacts, trivia and more.

The annual Reds Community Fun Celebrity Poker Tournament will take place on Dec. 8. Registration and side games begin at 3 p.m. ET with the tournament starting at 4 p.m. ET. Interested fans can sign up at reds.com/poker or by calling (513) 765-7240.

Fans interested in 2013 Reds Heads Kids Club membership can sign up during Redsfest. The merchandise kit for kids ages 14 and under costs $25 and includes vouchers for free Reds tickets and exclusive club gear. Reds Spirit Hair -- a Reds Heads gift -- will be included in memberships purchased at Redsfest, while supplies last.

Proceeds from Redsfest benefit the baseball-themed outreach programs of the Reds Community Fund.